Meet Boulder’s JCC Maccabi Games Athletes

Boulder Athletes Gear Up for the JCC Maccabi Games

May 17, 2010
By Rebecca Hurd

As part of Denver’s delegation, 27 Boulder Jewish athletes, ages 12 – 16, will head to the JCC Maccabi Games in Denver this summer. With Denver as the host city, many members of the local Jewish community are hearing of these Games for the first time, though the spirited competition began 28 years ago. Coming from all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Israel and Europe, 1,500 Jewish athletes will take over just about every playing field, court, course and lane in Denver for five days of competition, camaraderie and community.

The Gateway Park Fun Center was the setting for one of several activities slated for Boulder athletes to get to know each other before heading to Denver. Last Sunday was the perfect spring day we’ve all been waiting for, and perfect for an afternoon of miniature golf, go-cart rides, pizza and hanging out. Seventeen Boulder athletes introduced themselves and cited their sports, which included tennis, swimming, soccer, volleyball and track and field.

Yarrow Linden and Hannah Meyer are both looking forward to meeting new people at the Games, in addition to competing in track and field. Hannah is logging many miles on mountain bike trails and has set her sights on completing Moab’s 100-mile White Rim Trail in 12 hours next spring. Yarrow racks up the miles as a member of her school’s cross country team. She’s looking forward to competing in different distances at the Maccabi Games.

The excitement was evident when Sara Goldberg, J-Teen Director, informed the group that next year’s JCC Maccabi Games will be in Israel. While these athletes are looking forward to August, many have already set their sights and their personal fundraising and training efforts on representing Boulder and the United States next summer.

Daniel Hayoun had to pick between soccer, swimming and track and field for the Games this summer. An all-around athlete, he chose soccer and looks forward to meeting his teammates and the tournament. With a deep appreciation for how the body works and a desire to help people, Daniel is interested in neurosurgery. Deft with tools, his hands are also put to work making music, as he plays the electric guitar, clarinet and soprano saxophone.

It’s not too late for athletes to register and join Boulder’s athletes competing in the Games. Also, many volunteers are still needed to help make Denver’s JCC Maccabi Games a success. Join 50 other Boulder volunteers at Closing Ceremonies on Thursday, August 5th from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm. At a minimum, you should check the Denver JCC Maccabi Games website for schedules and come out to cheer on your local athletes.

For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, or to register as an athlete contact Sara Goldberg at sara@boulderjcc.org or 303-921-6952.

Join Congregation Bonai Shalom and Sandra Saltrese-Miller, an immigration lawyer, for December First Friday, December 7 as she discusses the history of American asylum law and current key policy issues relating to refugees, asylum seekers, and birthright citizenship.